Reading and Discussion

Work with a partner to read the following article. Then share your ideas about the fake news example that is discussed. Answer the following questions:

ESLCO Students, please only do the first set of questions. ESLEO students, please answer all questions. 

ESLCO &EO

  1. The article is about fake news stories, but not ones created by news agencies. Who created these news stories?
  2.  Why did Taco Bell claim to have purchased the Liberty Bell?
  3. Can you put these events from the extract in order?

  • People panic.
  • The broadcast ends with the message that it has been ‘plotted’ by an advertising agency.
  • The TV broadcast states that the beast will arrive in Taiyuan soon.
  • The advertising company is fined 5000 yuan.
4.  What was the planned new name for the Liberty Bell once Taco Bell owned it?
ESLEO

  1. How does the writer use rhetorical questions in the text?
  2. Are these two advertising agencies likely to do the same thing again? Why or why not?
  3.  What do you think about the hoaxes mentioned here? Do you think the advertising companies went too far? Should companies be allowed to use a news-style format to advertise products?